INTERNATIONAL GROWTH OF YOUNG TECHNOLOGY-BASED FIRMS: A RESOURCE-BASED NETWORK MODEL

Abstract

This paper analyzes the international growth of 82 young technology-based firms in Finland from a resource-based perspective. These firms manufacture electro-mechanical instruments or devices, are independent, technology-based, and internationally active. The analysis focuses on resource leveraging as a mechanism for facilitating international growth. It is suggested that resource leveraging leads to an interesting paradox: the more growth - oriented the firm is, the more embedded it becomes; that is, the higher the number of network relationships the firm has to set up.